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Amtrak to run second ‘Autumn Express’ excursion
What will the consist be I assume maybe a p42 and some private cars.
If it was like last year, it will be a bunch of Horizon Cars and some Amfleet cars with the Metroliner Conference Car on the tail. I’m sure it will be a pair of of their diesels pulling it. As this is an Amtrak trip, i’m sure Amtrak is just going to use their equipment unless a private car owner approaches them about tacking on a car or two.
I’d rather have it steam but the high line is CSX owned so can’t do steam out of 30th St. and go to the NS Reading line without using CSX. CSX wants nothing to do with steam. Next year the NS steam program will be back after taking the fall off due to crew shortages. 765 could run those lines in the future but only as far south as West Falls where there is a wye to turn. Maybe Harrisburg or Reading to West Falls and back, or originate in Bethlehem, PA or Bound Brook, NJ. Still, an Amtrak diesel train on the ex-Reading lines is better than nothing at all. The major railroads are strict as to what equipment rolls on their tracks, must be all roller bearing, Amtrak certified, etc. No older steel heavyweights with friction bearings and open windows anymore unlike the 1970’s and 80’s. Even though NS cancelled all steam trips this fall, they still are allowing Amtrak specials like this. 765 wasn’t returning to PA this year anyway. I rode behind 765 last year from Lewistown, PA to Horseshoe Curve.